Inuit Diet - Perceived Benefits of The Diet

Perceived Benefits of The Diet

The Inuit believe that their diet has many benefits over the western "Qallunaat" food. They are adamant about proving that their diet will make one stronger, warmer, and full of energy.

One example is the drinking of seal blood. When interviewing an Inuit elder, Searles was told that "Inuit food generates a strong flow of blood, a condition considered to be healthy and indicative of a strong body." After the consumption of seal blood and meat, one could look at their veins in the wrist for proof of the strength that Inuit food provides. The veins would expand and darken and, as Kristen Borré observed, "the person's blood becomes fortified and improves in color and thickness." Borré states that "seal blood is seen as fortifying human blood by replacing depleted nutrients and rejuvenating the blood supply, it is considered a necessary part of the Inuit diet."

Inuit also believe that their meat-rich diet keeps them warmer. They say that in comparison to store-bought food, Inuit food takes effects on one's body when eaten consistently. One Inuk, Oleetoa, who ate a combination of "Qallunaat" and Inuit food, told of a story of his cousin Joanasee who ate a diet consisting of mostly Inuit food. The two compared their strengths, warmth, and energy and found that Joanasee benefited most based on his diet.